Well here it is, the day the Colts turned a corner and after nearly two years of trying they finally beat their Rivals Meole Brace. Always and enjoyable fixture and one of the favourites on the calendar but this time, the Colts took the spoils.
A frosty morning gave some concern that the fixture wouldn’t be on but as the sun rose the pitch thawed and with a late morning KO, we were ON.
There had been no training before the game but the lads were keen and they all knew the importance of this game.
A tense start and as it would turn out the game played out mostly in the centre of the field.
George started strongly against one of Meoles better players. Will playing right wing, struck a lovely forward pass to Finn who was playing on the shoulder of the last defender but the ball just ran through to the keeper.
Jacob and Cole took up strong positions in defence and between them and the others that date, never missed a thing.
Will had his vision early and played another lovely pass wide but it was just too strong for Finn and the defender got to it first. Will took the ball on the half volley and cushioned it wide.
The Colts were putting early pressure on the Colts who seemed a bit lost. They lack a bit of spark but it was clear the Colts were snuffing them out.
The Colts had pressure on the ball across the whole pitch. Matthew in centre midfield was never too far away from the ball.
Meole had some early pressure with a succession of corners but all were defended well and in numbers.
George picked the ball up and beat his man but his pass to Finn was snuffed out.
Moments late a strong tackle from Jacob allowed George to put Finn in on goal. The keeper came out well and Finn shot wide.
The Colts now had Meole on the back foot and from a George corner Will got his head on it and directed it into the goal 0-1. Well deserved and a lovely finish from Will. A great header.
Whatever Meole threw at the Colts they managed to snuff out.
Finn playing striker took the ball into feet and controlled it lovely and knocked it off to George who was in on gaol but for a strong Meole tackle. The ball broke but Matthew came across with a strong challenge.
The game got a bit scrappy but that was only because the Colts were in the faces of Meole. A great start to the game.
Into the second quarter and Jack led the line. The Colts stayed strong in defence. Cole and Jacob did not miss a thing all game.
Freddie was on and began his passing, setting up Ryan who shot wide.
Colts kept the pressure on Meole the whole game. Meole had no time to play.
One a few occasions, Jacob was left isolated at the back but he had taken up great positions and didn’t miss a thing.
When called into action, Zen made a couple of smart saves, on one occasion coming off his line when a long ball came over the top.
Freddie picked up a loose ball in Midfield and was able to knock it forward to Ryan who slipped it into Matty but the pass was just too strong and it went to the keeper.
Colts had now got to grips with the game and had subdued Meole. Colts were winning he midfield battle.
From a corner, Ryan swung one in and in the scramble Freddie poked home. He had promised his Dad a goal this week 0-2.
The game was quiet, not because it was not interesting, just because the Colts were doing what they had been asked. To stop Meole.
Into the 3rd Quarter and Finn went on a run down the wing and the only way they were able to stop him was to push him off the pitch. It went unpunished.
The ball broke to Ryan however and with a quick turn he smashed it into the corner of the net, standard Ryan 0-3. Maybe the ref, had played an advantage!
The Colts managed to hold on, snuffing out any Meole attack.
They ended up 0-3 winners
A great result and a real display of the progress they had made this season.
Match Highlights
Zen – Despite having periods when he had nothing to do he stayed alert and made some important saves.
Jacob – Never missed a thing. Best game so far
Cole – played further forward again and turned defence into attack
Will – great headed goal
Jack – Kept the defence busy as he led the line
Matthew – Sold in midfield
Matty – Battle well despite taking a couple of knocks
Freddie – Pleased to get a goal
Finn – Busy wing play but looked a bit lost playing striker
George – Powerful play against Meoles best player
Ryan – Another typical goal
A great game for Colts and across the pitch you could see the progress they had made in 2016.
